Going to work in the dark, spending the day indoors and returning home in the dark may make some people depressed from the lack of sunlight, says a Ball State University psychologist.

The best way to reduce the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is to spend time in sunlight, says Jay Zimmerman, associate director of Ball State's Counseling Center.

"There are specific lamps and light banks that can be purchased that give the full sunlight effect," Zimmerman said. "If you work in an office with a window, leave the blinds open and sit next to the window so you can look out and let the sunlight into your eyes.

"Also, if it is too cold to walk outside, find a place indoors where sunlight comes in and spend some time there taking in the sunlight during lunch or a break," he said.

Depression can occur during the winter months when people's bodies have a difficult time adjusting to the shortage of sunlight. Many people may experience the winter blues, but some will develop a full clinical depression that is seasonally related.

Symptoms are the worst in January and February, Zimmerman said.

"It is important not to diagnose yourself," he said. "A mental health professional or physician should be consulted. Symptoms can be linked to a number of other disorders. Medication and psychotherapy can be very helpful."

Zimmerman said it is important not to confuse SAD with the normal "ups and downs" that may come as a result of major life changes, such as seasonal unemployment or starting or ending school.

Zimmerman said studies have found that women and young people are at the highest risk of the disorder, but it can affect anyone. It is estimated that 25 percent of the American population suffers from mild winter blues and about five percent suffer a true seasonal affective depression.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information on how to deal with SAD, contact Zimmerman at jzimmerman@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1267.)